Moldova proposes new audiovisual media service regulations

The Parliament of Moldova is set to examine a draft law to amend the Audiovisual Media Services Code. The proposed changes aim to increase the presence of the Romanian language in media and boost local content production.

Key provisions include a requirement for television stations to broadcast at least 50% of their programming in Romanian or with Romanian dubbing/subtitles between 06:00 and 24:00. This mandate excludes stations serving areas with ethnic minority majorities, news channels, sports channels, and local/regional private broadcasters.

The draft also proposes increasing the quota for musical works by Moldovan artists from 10% to 20%. Additionally, it introduces a 5% weekly airtime quota for audiovisual works produced by independent Moldovan producers and increases the quota for independent European audiovisual works to at least 10%.

For media distributors, the minimum quota for Romanian-language television services in cable and satellite packages is slated to increase from 50%. The legislative package also addresses minor protection rules, media service provider jurisdiction, and the status of the regional public media provider for Gagauzia.